The political discourse in Germany is intensifying ahead of a critical conference of state premiers, with Hesse’s Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) forcefully advocating for sweeping reforms modeled after Greece’s recent economic turnaround. Rhein’s call, articulated in a recent opinion piece for the “Rheinische Post” directly challenges the existing welfare system and questions the prevailing narrative surrounding state intervention.
Rhein’s primary concern centers on the rapid expansion of social benefit recipients, specifically highlighting the record numbers receiving citizen’s allowance (“Bürgergeld”) and housing subsidies. He argues the responsibility doesn’t lie with those accessing these benefits, but with a state that has inadvertently created incentives that discourage work. He explicitly proposes a dismantling of the current citizen’s allowance program, advocating for a return to a “positive performance culture” – one that prioritizes incentivizing employment over dependency.
The controversial suggestion to draw inspiration from Greece, a nation historically viewed as a cautionary tale within the Eurozone, is particularly striking. Rhein points to Greece’s recent reforms – implemented at what he describes as “Greek speed” – as evidence that even seemingly intractable systems can be transformed. He contrasts Greece’s trajectory, now exhibiting growth and dynamism exceeding the EU average, with debates in Germany focused on issues like a four-day workweek, implying a lack of urgency and boldness in addressing systemic challenges.
Beyond welfare reform, Rhein emphasizes the need for reduced bureaucratic overhead, increased investment incentives and a sharper focus on the state’s core responsibilities. He frames these reforms as essential for reaffirming a ‘freedom promise’ for Germany and Europe, asserting that the state’s role should be limited to setting the enabling framework, rather than direct intervention.
The upcoming conference of state premiers is slated to approve a federal modernization agenda aimed at improving cooperation amongst federal, state and local entities. The agenda seeks to streamline processes, diminish bureaucracy and bolster state efficiency. However, Rhein’s outspoken calls for radical change, particularly his implicit critique of the German state’s approach versus the apparent successes of a country once deemed a European problem child, are likely to inject considerable tension and potentially reshape the scope and ambition of the agreed-upon modernization agenda. Critics are already questioning the feasibility and ethical implications, of replicating Greek economic policies within the German context.